Most students with more complex motor needs are supported by outside medical providers.

This may include, but is not limited to, their private physical therapist (PT), private occupational therapist (OT), community hospitals, specialty hospitals, specialty doctors, equipment providers, orthotists, etc.

In order to provide the best comprehensive support to the student in the school environment, good communication between the school-based physical therapist and community-based services is recommended.

Situations where a school-based PT may need to collaborate with private medical providers:

• Collaboration between community doctors for continuity of care in the school environment - i.e., clarification of medical orders after surgical procedures.

• Collaboration with a child's primary care provider (or specialty provider) to ensure a student's safety in the school.

• Communication between the private PT and school-based PT to ensure carryover of treatment plans.

• Collaboration between the private PT and school-based PT to ensure that equipment used in the school is complimenting home equipment use.

• Collaboration between equipment vendors regarding ordering, fitting, and delivery of adapted equipment.

• Collaboration between wheelchair vendors regarding ordering, fitting, delivering, and repairing privately owned wheelchairs and other equipment.

• Collaboration with orthotists to discuss the need for orthotics (AFO’s, TLSOs), the use of orthotics, and the adjustment of orthotics.

In order for the school-based physical therapist to be able to communicate with any of the student's private (non-school-based team) the parent will need to sign a Release or Exchange of Information Form (ROI) that allows the private medical providers to communicate with the school-based team.

Click the link here, HIPAA, for more information regarding health information privacy.